Container with bottom cradle

ABSTRACT

A disposable container includes a single headed can body, a closure coupled to the can body and a cradle. The single headed can body includes a generally convex base and a generally cylindrical sidewall defining an open end. The can body convex base and can body sidewall are unitary. The closure is coupled to the can body open end. The disposable cradle is coupled to the can body convex base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a traditional utility application of and claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/689,886,filed Jun. 26, 2018, entitled CONTAINER WITH BOTTOM CRADLE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to containers and, morespecifically, to a container including a single headed can body and acradle.

Background Information

A common disposable container for a beverage such as, but not limitedto, a twelve fluid ounce aluminum can, is an assembly that includes acup-like can body and a closure. Generally, after the container isfilled, the two pieces are joined and sealed, thereby completing thecontainer. To reduce the cost of the container, it is desirable to makethe components from the least amount of material. That is, the thinnerthe material used in either, or both, the can body and/or the closure,the less expensive the container.

The cup-like can body typically begins as a flat material, typicallymetal, either in sheet or coil form. Blanks, i.e., disks, are cut fromthe sheet stock and then drawn into a cup. That is, by moving the diskthrough a series of dies while disposed over a ram or punch, the disk isshaped into a cup having a bottom and a depending sidewall. The cup isthen drawn through additional dies to reach a selected length and wallthickness for a can body. One of the last deformations applied to thecup is forming an inwardly extending dome to the bottom of the cup. Thatis, the cup is moved into engagement with a domer; the domer having adomed end onto which the cup is pressed. When the cup is elongated,thinned, and has a dome, the cup is identified as a can body which isready to be filled with a product. A can body in this configuration hasproblems, and, there are problems associated with the method of formingthe can body.

For example, during the formation of the cup, and then the can body, thematerial that becomes the dome is often reformed. That is, the materialis, for example, formed into a concave shape that is then flattenedand/or reversed prior to the final formation of the dome. This procedureweakens the material at the dome meaning the material must be thicker soas to resist tears and other undesirable deformations. Further, when thecup is moved into engagement with a domer, the press produces excessivenoise, vibration and stress on the press due to the engagement of theram with the domer. These are all problems. It is, however, noted that acan body with an inwardly extending dome has a generally planar lowestsurface. That is, during the formation of the dome, and at thetransition between the can body sidewall and the dome, an annular ridgeis formed. This annular ridge is the bottom most construct of the canbody and is generally planar. This planar bottom is desirable as the canbody (and therefore the finished container) has a flat surface uponwhich to rest. That is, the can body (and therefore the finishedcontainer) are stable when placed upon a flat surface such as, but notlimited to, a table.

The closure coupled to the can body is, typically, an easy open can endon which a pull tab is attached (e.g., without limitation, riveted) to atear strip or severable panel. The severable panel is defined by ascoreline in the exterior surface (e.g., public side) of the can end.The pull tab is structured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever thescoreline and deflect and/or remove the severable panel, therebycreating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can. When the canend is made, it originates as a can end shell, which is formed from ablank cut (e.g., blanked) from a sheet metal product (e.g., withoutlimitation, sheet aluminum; sheet steel). The shell is then conveyed toa conversion press, which has a number of successive tool stations. Asthe shell advances from one tool station to the next, conversionoperations such as, for example and without limitation, rivet forming,paneling, scoring, embossing, tab securing and tab staking, areperformed until the shell is fully converted into the desired can end,or closure, and is discharged from the press.

The can bodies and the can ends are provided to a manufacturer/fillerwhich fills the can body with a product and which couples the can end tothe can body, thereby completing the container. The containers are, insome instances, filled with a carbonated product such as, but notlimited to beer or soda. Alternatively, or further, the container may beexposed to heat so as to sterilize the product within the container. Acontainer filled with a carbonated beverage and/or one exposed to heat,is exposed to an increased pressure within the container. The dome andthe thickness of the metal forming the can body and can end, as well asother features of the container, resist tearing or other deformation ofthe can body and can end when the container is exposed to the increasedpressure.

Other containers, i.e., containers for liquefied and/or high pressuregas such as, but not limited to, propane, utilize domed heads. Suchcylinders are identified herein as “gas cylinders.” A gas cylinderincludes a generally cylindrical sidewall and one or two domed heads atone end, or both ends. A gas cylinder is structured to resist the highpressure associated with high pressure and/or cryogenic fluids. Suchcontainers, however, have their own problems. For example, suchcontainers are made from material that is considerably thicker than thematerial used for beverage containers. Further, such containers oftenhave the domed heads coupled, i.e., welded, to a generally cylindricalsidewall. This increases the cost of manufacture. Thus, such containersare not disposable. That is, such containers are structured to berefilled and reused. Such containers are not acceptable as beveragecontainers due to the cost. Further, gas cylinders are too large to beused efficiently as beverage containers. These are problems that preventsuch constructs from being used as disposable containers.

Further, containers with a domed lower end require an additionalconstruct to be configured to rest on a flat surface without anadditional support. That is, the domed lower end is typically disposedin a cylindrical boot having a generally planar bottom. Alternatively,and typically for containers with a diameter of about one foot or more,an annular ring or similar construct is permanently coupled to thebottom of the container. Such an annular ring provides a generallyplanar surface upon which the container rests. These constructs, i.e., aboot or an annular ring, are permanent and structured to be reused. Thatis, these constructs are not disposable (as defined below) and are notstructured to be coupled to a disposable container. Further, known bootsor annular rings are not nestable. That is, these constructs are nottapered and cannot be stacked and stored in a nested manner. These arealso problems with the known art.

There is, therefore, a need for a container that uses less material inthe can body while still being able to resist tearing or deformation.There is a further need for such a container to be stable when restingon a generally flat surface. There is a further need for such acontainer to be disposable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of thedisclosed and claimed concept which provides a disposable containerincluding a single headed can body, a closure coupled to the can bodyand a cradle. The single headed can body includes a generally convexbase and a generally cylindrical sidewall defining an open end. The canbody convex base and can body sidewall are unitary. The closure iscoupled to the can body open end. The disposable cradle is coupled tothe can body convex base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of two stacked disposablecontainer assemblies.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a disposable container assembly.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a disposable cradle.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of nested disposable cradles.

FIG. 5 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment oftwo stacked disposable container assemblies.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a disposablecontainer assembly.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a disposablecradle.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of nesteddisposable cradles.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a disposable container assembly.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a disposable container assembly.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a stacked disposablecontainer assembly.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a disposable cradle.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a disposable cradle.

FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a disposable cradle.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of adisposable cradle.

FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of a disposable cradle.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of adisposable cradle with exemplary dimensions.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional detail side view of a stackeddisposable container assembly.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional detail side view of anotherembodiment of a stacked disposable container assembly.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional detail side view of anotherembodiment of a stacked disposable container assembly.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional detail side view of anotherembodiment of a stacked disposable container assembly.

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional detail side view of anotherembodiment of a stacked disposable container assembly.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a can body including a generallyconvex base and showing exemplary dimensions.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a disposablecradle showing exemplary dimensions.

FIG. 25 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a disposablecontainer assembly.

FIG. 26 is a schematic isometric view of a cylindrical collar.

FIG. 27 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a disposablecontainer assembly.

FIG. 28 is a schematic isometric view of a tapered collar.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of adisposable container assembly.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a canbody.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of acradle.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of nested cradles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in thefigures herein and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided asnon-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore,specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used,embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related tothe embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting onthe scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified elementor assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupledand/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a memberthat is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element andincludes elements that cause the member to move or the member isotherwise configured to move in response to other elements orassemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recitesstructure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to[verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to,and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element thatis merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is notintended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not“structured to [verb].”

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of thesame assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other insome manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, itis understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings orcoupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assemblyare generally not part of the same element or other component. As such,the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the sametime in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or morecomponent(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assemblyincludes at least two components that are structured to be coupledtogether. It is understood that the components of a coupling assemblyare compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, ifone coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component isa snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the othercoupling component is a nut or threaded bore. Further, a passage in anelement is part of the “coupling” or “coupling component(s).” Forexample, in an assembly of two wooden boards coupled together by a nutand a bolt extending through passages in both boards, the nut, the boltand the two passages are each a “coupling” or “coupling component.”

As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured tocouple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener”but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, thetongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled andare not a separate component.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate togethereither directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediateparts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directlycoupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with eachother. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that twocomponents are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constantorientation relative to each other. As used herein, “adjustably fixed”means that two components are coupled so as to move as one whilemaintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to eachother while being able to move in a limited range or about a singleaxis. For example, a doorknob is “adjustably fixed” to a door in thatthe doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in asingle position relative to the door. Further, a cartridge (nib and inkreservoir) in a retractable pen is “adjustably fixed” relative to thehousing in that the cartridge moves between a retracted and extendedposition, but generally maintains its orientation relative to thehousing. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions ofthose elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specificportion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., anaxle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specificportion of the first element is disposed closer to the second elementthan the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on anotherobject held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lowerobject unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially inplace. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto,but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled”means that one component is coupled with another component in anessentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled insuch a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy andwould not damage the components. For example, two components secured toeach other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e.,fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled”whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficultto access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to accessfastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more othercomponents prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component”is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements orassemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and asecond position, or a first configuration and a second configuration,are coupled so that as the first element moves from oneposition/configuration to the other, the second element moves betweenpositions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element maybe “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) orassembly(ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in amanner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without havingto decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, abook simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastenedto the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another means that the elements exert a force or biasagainst one another either directly or through one or more intermediateelements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to movingparts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion fromone position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in thedescribed position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “whenelement A moves to element A first position, element A engages elementB,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element Aengages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element Aeither engages element B while moving to element A first position and/orelement A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is,“operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that isstructured to move a movable or rotatable second component means thatthe first component applies a force sufficient to cause the secondcomponent to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contactwith a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, thescrewdriver is merely “temporarily coupled” to the screw. If an axialforce is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed againstthe screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force isapplied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” thescrew and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electroniccomponents, “operatively engage” means that one component controlsanother component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural componentsare sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled witha minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to amember is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member maypass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. Thisdefinition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly”together. In that situation, the difference between the size of thecomponents is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. Ifthe element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into theopening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the openingmay even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into theopening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more,“corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size,shape, and contours.

As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in associationwith an element that moves, includes the space an element moves throughwhen in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “pathof travel” or “path.” Further, a “path of travel” or “path” relates to amotion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to anotherobject. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel(an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not moverelative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, thewheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, forexample, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a“path of travel” or “path” relative to the body of the automobile.Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiableconstruct) does have a “path of travel” or “path” relative to the bodyof the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion,the air inlet valve, as a whole, moves relative to the body of theautomobile.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created asa single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces thatare created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase “a numberof elements” means one element or a plurality of elements. It isspecifically noted that the term “a ‘number’ of [X]” includes a single[X].

As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position andsecond position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its firstposition and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element orassembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves betweena number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the namedelement or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.”

As used herein, a “radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindricalbody is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the centerthereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As usedherein, an “axial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is aside that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to aheight line passing through the center of the cylinder. That is,generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the “radial side/surface” is thegenerally circular sidewall and the “axial side(s)/surface(s)” are thetop and bottom of the soup can. Further, as used herein, “radiallyextending” means extending in a radial direction or along a radial line.That is, for example, a “radially extending” line extends from thecenter of the circle or cylinder toward the radial side/surface.Further, as used herein, “axially extending” means extending in theaxial direction or along an axial line. That is, for example, an“axially extending” line extends from the bottom of a cylinder towardthe top of the cylinder and substantially parallel to a centrallongitudinal axis of the cylinder.

As used herein, “generally curvilinear” includes elements havingmultiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planarportions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed atangles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thinelement including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., theplanar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surfaceextending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein,it is inherent that a “planar” element has two opposed planar surfaces.The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generallystraight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or becurved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, for any adjacent ranges that share a limit, e.g., 0%-5%and 5%-10, or, 0.05 inch-0.10 inch and 0.001 inch-0.05 inch, the upperlimit of the lower range, i.e., 5% and 0.05 inch in the examples above,means slightly less than the identified limit. That is, in the exampleabove, the range 0%-5% means 0%-4.999999% and the range 0.001 inch-0.05inch means 0.001 inch-0.04999999 inch.

As used herein, “upwardly depending” means an element that extendsupwardly and generally perpendicular from another element.

As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are usedsubstantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitablecontainer, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., withoutlimitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expresslyincludes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer andbeverage cans, as well as food cans.

As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element,point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X]degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extendaround, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement orin a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in anapproximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, to “nest,” or “nested” means that two bodies having acorresponding shape are disposed with one body disposed substantially inand adjacent the other body with the corresponding contours aligned,i.e., wherein the adjacent surfaces of the bodies at a small localizedarea are generally parallel. It is understood that, when nesting bodiesinclude a tapered portion, the tapered portions of the nesting bodiescontact each other while other portions of the nesting bodies do notcontact each other.

As used herein, an “elongated” element inherently includes alongitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction ofthe elongation.

As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to theterm being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant tothe term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

As used herein, “at” means on and/or near relevant to the term beingmodified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a “standard beverage” can body or container means a canbody or container structured to hold about twelve fluid ounces.

As used herein, a “head” on a container means a convex end on agenerally cylindrical can body.

As used herein, a “convex base” on a can body or container includes, butis not limited to, hemispherical ends and torispherical ends. Further,as used herein, a “convex base” on a can body or container has a radius,when viewed laterally in cross-section, that is generally similar to thecylindrical portion of the can body, or, a radius of less than 3.00inches. That is, a curved can end wherein the radius of curvature issubstantially greater than the radius of the associated can body radiusis not, as used herein, a “convex base.” For example, “can end 10” asshown in FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,013, is not, as used herein, a“convex base.” Further, a “convex base” means that the overall shape ofthe end is convex. That is, a can body (or container) end that includesconvex protrusions such as, but not limited to, elements 15 and 16 inFIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,013, is not a “convex base.” That is, aconvex element on a can end does not make the can end a “convex base.”As used herein, a “single headed” container means a container with onehead, i.e., a hemispherical/torispherical end, and one generally planarend. As used herein, a closure for a can body such as, but not limitedto a twelve ounce beverage can body for a carbonated beverage, is“generally planar.”

As used herein, “disposable” means a construct that is intended for asingle use after which it is thrown away, as would be understood in theart. Disposable articles include, but are not limited to, beveragecontainers for carbonated beverages. Containers that are intended to berefilled such as, but not limited to, propane tanks, are not“disposable.” Further, the term “disposable” relates to the physicalcharacteristics of a construct such as, but not limited to, the amountand type of material used to make the construct, the internal andexternal configuration of the construct and other characteristics. Theterm “disposable” is not related to how the construct is used or couldpotentially be used. For example, a wooden toothpick is a disposableproduct. A solid gold toothpick, which could be used once and thrownaway, is not a “disposable” construct. That is, a solid gold toothpickdoes not have the same physical characteristics that make a woodentoothpick disposable.

As used herein, a “cradle” or a “cradle body” means a constructstructured to be coupled to a container body with a convex head andwhich does not enclose, or substantially enclose, the container. Forexample, a plastic or metal housing that encloses a glass vacuum chamberof a thermos or Dewer flask is not a “cradle” or a “cradle body.”

As used herein, a “convex base holder” means a construct that isstructured to, and does, enclose or support a “convex base” of a canbody (or container). That is, a “convex base holder” includes one of a“convex base enclosure” or a “convex base support device.”

As used herein, a “convex base enclosure” means a construct that isstructured to, and does, enclose a “convex base” of a can body (orcontainer) without contacting a “convex base” of a can body (orcontainer). That is, a “convex base enclosure” is directly coupled orfixed to the can body, but only indirectly coupled to a “convex base” ofa can body (or container). The “convex base enclosure” does not have tosubstantially enclose the “convex base” of a can body (or container).That is, a “convex base enclosure” includes frames and frame likeconstructs that have openings therethrough.

A “convex base support device” is directly coupled or fixed to a “convexbase” of a can body (or container) and includes a “convex interfacesurface.”

As used herein, a “convex interface surface” means a surface that isstructured to, and does, correspond to the convex surface of a “convexbase” of a can body (or container). That is, a “convex interfacesurface” includes a concave surface or a surface including a concaveportion, or portions that correspond(s) to a convex base.

As used herein, a “limited formed” body means a can body (or container)wherein the base thereof has not been reformed. That is, the materialthat forms the base of the can body is formed from a generally planarelement into a convex element and is not otherwise formed into anotherconfiguration. Further, the term “limited formed” body relates to thephysical characteristics (including internal characteristics) of thebody that are, in an exemplary embodiment, created/exist when a body isformed from a generally planar element into a convex element and is nototherwise formed into another configuration. These characteristics,however, are not exclusively created/exist when a body is formed from agenerally planar element into a convex element and is not otherwiseformed into another configuration. Thus, a “limited formed” body doesnot relate to a product by process. Further, as used herein, when thebase of the can body is formed from a generally planar element into aconvex element and is then otherwise formed into another configuration,the characteristics of a “limited formed” body do not exist.

As used herein, a “recycling fuel” means a material that, when burned,adds heat but no, or an acceptably small amount of, contaminates to therecycling process. Such a material is structured to be consumed during arecycling process without contaminating the recycled material.

As shown in FIGS. 1-11, a disposable container assembly 10 includes adisposable container 20 and a disposable cradle 60. The container 20includes a closure 22 and a can body 30. The closure 22 (or “can end”)includes a generally planar body 24 defining a center panel 25 and atear panel 26. Further, an actuator 27 is coupled to the center panel25. The actuator 27 is structured to separate, or partially separate,the tear panel 26 from the center panel 25 as is known. Further, as isknown, when the closure 22 is coupled to a can body 30, the closure 22and the can body sidewall 34 (discussed below) form a toroid extension28, or axially extending torus, that defines a generally enclosed space.

The can body 30 includes a generally convex base 32 and a generallycylindrical sidewall 34. Opposite the can body convex base 32, the canbody sidewall 34 defines an open end 36. The can body convex base 32 isstructured to, and does, resist deformation due to an internal pressurebetter than other configurations or contours such as, but not limitedto, a generally planar base. The improved resistance to deformation froman internal pressure all related to the can body convex base 32 allowsthe material of the can body 30, i.e., the convex base 32 and thesidewall 34, to be made from a thinner material compared to can bodieswith a base having other configurations or contours. Thus, the can bodyconvex base 32 solves the problems stated above. In an exemplaryembodiment, the can body convex base 32 is a generally hemisphericalbase 33. A can body hemispherical base 33 is structured to, and does,resist deformation from an internal pressure better that other convexcontours and allows for the material of the can body 30 to be made froma thinner material compared to can bodies with a base having otherconfigurations or contours. Thus, the can body hemispherical base 33solves the problems stated above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the can body 30 is formed from a generallyplanar blank (not shown) that is initially formed into a cup (not shown)as described above. The cup is disposed on a punch (not shown) coupledto a ram (not shown) and moved through a number of dies (not shown) thatare structured to, and do, thin and elongate the cup to be in the shapeof the can body 30. The punch includes a convex distal surface which, inan exemplary embodiment, is hemispherical. In this configuration, theblank is not reformed. That is, the can body 30 is a “limited formed”body as defined above. This solves the problems noted above.

The can body 30 is, in an exemplary embodiment, made from an inexpensivematerial such as, but not limited to, aluminum, steel or alloys ofeither material. In an exemplary embodiment, the can body 30 is madefrom a generally thin material. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, theblank is initially made from an aluminum sheet material having athickness of between about 0.0030 inch and about 0.0085 inch, or about0.0070 inch. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness is about0.0063 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, as the blank is formed into thecan body 30 the material that forms the can body convex base 32 (or canbody hemispherical base 33) is thinned by about 0.0010 inch. That is, amaterial that started as 0.0070 inch would be thinned to 0.0060 inch. Inanother embodiment, the material is not thinned and is kept at the basethickness. As used herein, a can body convex base 32 (or can bodyhemispherical base 33) with a thickness of between about 0.0030 inch andabout 0.0085 inch, or about 0.0070 inch is a “generally thin base.” Thematerial that forms the can body sidewall 34 is thinned to a thicknessof between about 0.0030 inch and about 0.0050 inch, or about 0.0040inch. As used herein, a can body sidewall 34 with a thickness of betweenabout 0.0030 inch and about 0.0050 inch is a “generally thin sidewall.”When the can body 30 (or container 20) is a standard beverage can body30, the can body sidewall 34 has a radius of between about 0.80 inch andabout 1.50 inches, and, the can body convex base 32 (or can bodyhemispherical base 33) has a radius of between about 0.80 inch and about1.50 inches, or about 1.00 inch. In another embodiment, the cradle body62 has a maximum radius of about 1.3 inches. For a standard twelve ouncebeverage container with a maximum diameter of about 2.60 inches, i.e.,the can body sidewall 34 has a radius of about 1.3 inches, a domed end,including, but not limited to, a hemispherical end or a torisphericalend, is as used herein a “convex base” (as defined above). Further, asis known, a closure 22 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the canbody open end 36. As is known, the closure 22 includes an annularcountersink 35 and/or an upwardly depending sidewall 37 (sometimesidentified as a chuck wall). A can body 30 in this configuration solvesthe problems noted above. For example, a container with these dimensionscan be used efficiently as beverage container. This solves a problemidentified above. Further, as used herein, a can body 30 in thisconfiguration is “disposable” as defined above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the can body convex base 32 includes apressure relief panel 38, as shown in FIG. 22. The pressure relief panel38 is a generally circular area disposed at the vertex of the can bodyconvex base 32. The pressure relief panel 38 is, in one embodiment,generally planar. A can body convex base 32 with a generally planarpressure relief panel 38 is, as used herein, still “generally convex.”The pressure relief panel 38 is structured to, and does, deformoutwardly when the contents of the container 20 is pressurized and/orexposed to heat. Thus, for example, the pressure relief panel 38 isgenerally planar prior to the container 20 being filled. When thecontainer 20 is filled and sterilized by heat, the pressure relief panel38 deforms to be generally convex. After the container 20 cools, thepressure relief panel 38 returns to the generally planar configurationin one embodiment, or, is maintained in a generally convex configurationin another embodiment.

It is noted that the center of gravity for a container 20 in theconfiguration disclosed above is located above the can body convex base32. Thus, a container 20 with a can body convex base 32 is likely to tipover. That is, the can body convex base 32 cannot provide a stable baseof the container 20 due to the spherical contour. The disposable cradle60 is structured to, and does, provide a stable support for thecontainer 20 and, in particular, for the can body convex base 32. Thatis, it is understood that a container 20 will, very often, be positionedon a generally planar surface such as, but not limited to, a table top(not shown). It is further understood that a construct with a convexbase and a center of gravity disposed above such a convex base is likelyto tip over. Thus, it is desirable to provide a construct having agenerally planar lower surface to support the construct with a convexbase. The disposable cradle 60 includes a generally planar lowersurface. Further, a cradle 60 is structured to provide, and doesprovide, separation between the can body convex base 32 of an “upper”container assembly 10 and the actuator 27 of a “lower” containerassembly 10 when the container assemblies are stacked. That is, theterms “upper” and “lower” are relative terms; it is understood that thetwo container assemblies 10 are substantially similar.

The disposable cradle 60 (or the cradle body 62, discussed below) is aconvex base holder 50, as defined above. In one embodiment, not shown,the disposable cradle 60 includes elongated members that form a frameassembly that is disposed about the can body convex base 32. Such aframe assembly includes, but is not limited to, a tripod or three-leggedframe assembly. In another embodiment, not shown, the disposable cradle60 is a convex base enclosure such as, but not limited to, a generallycylindrical sheath having a diameter about the same as the diameter ofthe can body 30. That is, the generally cylindrical sheath has, in oneembodiment, a diameter that is substantially the same, or slightlylarger than, the can body 30 and the generally cylindrical sheath isstructured to, and does, contact the can body sidewall 34 whileenclosing the can body convex base 32. In another embodiment, discussedbelow, the generally cylindrical sheath is structured to, and does,contact the can body convex base 32. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1-8 and10-22, the disposable cradle 60 includes a body 62 with an upper supportsurface 61, a lower support surface 66 and a sidewall 68 therebetween.In an exemplary embodiment, the upper support surface 61, includes anumber of convex interface surfaces 64. The cradle body 62 is, in anexemplary embodiment as shown, a generally toroid body. Thus, the cradlebody 62 has an axis 63 about which a cross-sectional shape is rotated soas to define the cradle body 62. In another embodiment, not shown, thecradle body 62 is an incomplete generally toroid body. That is, portionsof the cradle body 62 define openings (not shown). In this embodiment,the amount of material required to form the cradle body 62 is reduced.In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle body 62 has a smaller radius thanthe can body 30, or, is about the same as the radius of the can body 30.That is, the cradle body 62 has a maximum radius of between about 0.80inch and about 1.50 inches, or about 1.00 inch. The cradle body 62 has aheight of about 1.5 inches. In another embodiment, the cradle body 62has a maximum radius of about 1.3 inches. Further, the cradle body 62 ismade from a disposable material such as, but not limited to a plastic orcellulose (wood/paper based) material. In an exemplary embodiment, thecradle body 62 is made from a recycling fuel such as, but not limited topolyurethane or polypropylene.

The cradle body convex interface surface 64 is structured to, and does,generally correspond to the can body convex base 32. In one embodiment,as shown, the cradle body convex interface surface 64 is generallycircular and extends over a loop of 360°. In another embodiment, notshown, the cradle body convex interface surface 64 is an intermittentsurface including discrete locations. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 17, in oneembodiment, the cradle body convex interface surface 64 has a generallylimited height (when viewed in cross-section as shown in FIGS. 1 and 17)and is flared relative to the cradle body sidewall 68. That is, thecradle body sidewall 68, when viewed in vertical cross-section, extendsparallel to a vertical axis, or, at an angle relative to the cradle bodyaxis 63. As used herein, this angle is the “sidewall angle” identifiedby the “α” in FIG. 17. The cradle body convex interface surface 64extends at an angle (ω) that is greater than the sidewall angle, asshown. It is understood that the cradle body convex interface surface 64is a curved surface (so as to correspond to the can body convex base 32)but, when the cradle body convex interface surface 64 has a limitedheight, the curvature of the cradle body convex interface surface 64when viewed in vertical cross-section is sufficiently limited that thecradle body convex interface surface 64 is also generally planar. Asused herein, a cradle body convex interface surface 64 with this contouris identified as a “flared convex interface surface.”

In another embodiment, the cradle body convex interface surface 64 is an“inwardly extending convex interface surface” 64. As shown in FIG. 20,an inwardly extending convex interface surface 64 extends toward thecradle body axis 63 from the cradle body sidewall 68. As shown, theinwardly extending convex interface surface 64 (being closer to thecradle body axis 63) interfaces with the can body convex base 32 closerto the center of the can body convex base 32. In this configuration, andrelative to a vertical axis, the inwardly extending convex interfacesurface 64 appears as a platform for the can body convex base 32.

The cradle body lower support surface 66 defines a plane, generally.That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the cradle body lower supportsurface 66 is not planar, but exists generally in the same plane. Thecradle body lower support surface 66 is one of an insertion rim 70 (FIG.18) or a rounded rim 72 (FIGS. 1 and 19-22). The cradle body lowersupport surface 66 is, in an exemplary embodiment, structured to bedisposed within, and in contact with, a can end sidewall 37. That is, itis known that container assemblies 10 are often stacked. Thus, it isdesirable for the bottom end of one container to correspond to the upperend of another container. In the prior art, this is accomplished bytapering the lower end of the can body. When a can body 30 includes aconvex base 32 and is coupled to a cradle 60, the cradle body lowersupport surface 66 is structured to correspond to the can endcountersink 35 and/or an upwardly depending sidewall 37.

A cradle body lower support surface insertion rim 70 is structured tofit within the can end countersink 35. In this embodiment, the cradlebody lower support surface 66 is generally toroid and the cradle bodysidewall 68 is generally cylindrical. Thus, the cradle body 62 isstructured to be moved axially relative to another container assembly 10until the cradle body lower support surface 66, i.e., the cradle bodylower support surface insertion rim 70, is inserted into the can endcountersink 35.

A cradle body lower support surface rounded rim 72 is structured toabut, i.e., contact, the can end sidewall 37. That is, at the lower endof the cradle body 62, the cradle body sidewall 68 curls inwardly (FIGS.19, 21, 22) or outwardly (FIG. 20) thereby defining the cradle bodylower support surface 66 and the cradle body lower support surfacerounded rim 72. In either configuration, the cradle body lower supportsurface 66 is structured to, and does, correspond to the closure 22 ofanother container assembly 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradlebody lower support surface rounded rim 72 fits snuggly within thegenerally enclosed space defined by the closure 22 of another containerassembly 10.

The cradle body sidewall 68 can have any cross-sectional shape. As shownin FIGS. 18 and 19, the cradle body sidewall 68 is generallycylindrical/conical (FIGS. 1, 5, 18 and 19), generally L-shaped (FIGS.20-22), or a combination of the two cross-sectional shapes. That is, asshown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the cradle body sidewall 68 is generallycylindrical and extends generally parallel to the cradle body axis 63.It is understood that the cradle body sidewall 68 could also begenerally conical (i.e., a truncated cone, not shown) wherein the cradlebody sidewall 68 is generally planar when viewed in cross-section and istilted relative to the cradle body axis 63.

As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the cradle body sidewall 68 is generallyL-shaped with a curvilinear vertex or an arcuate vertex. That is, thecradle body sidewall 68 includes a generally planar first portion 74(when viewed in cross-section, as shown) and a generally planar secondportion 76 (when viewed in cross-section, as shown). The generallyL-shaped cradle body sidewall 68 is, in one embodiment (FIGS. 21-22),outwardly open, i.e., the non-reflex angle formed by the first andsecond planar portion 74, 76 faces outwardly. In another embodiment, thegenerally L-shaped cradle body sidewall 68 is inwardly (or downwardly)open (FIG. 20).

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cradle body sidewall 68includes an outer portion 80 and an inner portion 82. As shown, thecradle body sidewall outer portion 80 is generally conical and defines afirst cradle body convex interface surface 64′ which is a flared convexinterface surface 64. The cradle body inner portion 82 is an inwardlyopening, generally L-shaped portion that includes a second cradle bodyconvex interface surface 64″. Further, in this configuration, the innerend of the cradle body inner portion 82 defines a second convexinterface surface 64, i.e., an inwardly extending convex interfacesurface 64. The first and second cradle body sidewall portions 80, 82meet at a vertex 84 which defines the cradle body lower support surfacerounded rim 72.

It is understood that the disposable cradle 60 shown in FIGS. 1-22 areexemplary embodiments and that the disposable cradle 60 has, in otherexemplary embodiments, a different height. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26,the disposable cradle 60 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 18and described above, but in this embodiment, the disposable cradle 60 isgenerally cylindrical and has a limited height. This embodiment, i.e.,wherein the disposable cradle 60 has a height (i.e., axial length) ofbetween about 0.25 inch and 1.0 inch or about 0.5 inch, the disposablecradle 60 is also identified as a “collar” 100. A collar 100, in anexemplary embodiment, includes a body 102 that is generally cylindrical.Further, the collar body 102 has an insertion rim 70 at the cradle bodylower support surface 66. Further, the cradle body upper support surface61 is structured to, and does, contact a can body convex base 32, but isnot a convex interface surface 64. That is, the cradle body uppersupport surface 61 does not include a concave surface or a surfaceincluding a concave portion. In this embodiment, the cradle body uppersupport surface 61 is generally planar. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, inanother embodiment, the collar body 102 is tapered. That is, the collarbody 102 is generally a truncated cone as opposed to a cylinder. Withthis simplified configuration, the collar body 102 is, in an exemplaryembodiment, made from a material such as, but not limited to, paper orcardboard.

The disposable container assembly 10 includes the disposable container20 and a disposable cradle 60 which are coupled, directly coupled, orfixed to each other. That is, in one embodiment, the convex base holder50 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the can body 30. In anotherembodiment, the can body convex base 32 is coupled, directly coupled, orfixed to the cradle body convex interface surface 64. This isaccomplished by any known coupling such as, but not limited to, afriction fit or an adhesive (not shown). Further, because both the canbody 30 and the cradle body 62 are made from a disposable material, thedisposable container assembly 10 is disposable. This solves the problemsnoted above. It is noted that a desirable aspect of this shape is thatthe cradle bodies 62 are structured to be nested prior to being coupledto a can body 30.

As is known, during the processing of a disposable container assembly10, such as, but not limited to, decorating and filling the disposablecontainer assembly 10, the disposable container assembly 10 istransported by a conveyor. It is known to temporarily couple a containerto the conveyor by suction. That is, a negative pressure assembly iscoupled to a nozzle on the conveyor and a can body is disposed over thenozzle. In the prior art, and with a concave can body base, the negativepressure in the volume defined by the conveyor and the concave can bodybase temporarily coupled the can body to the conveyor. As noted above,the cradle body 62 is, in an exemplary embodiment, a generally toroidbody. Such a toroid body is structured to, and does, define a negativepressure plenum 90. As used herein, a “negative pressure plenum” means agenerally enclosed space that is structured to be, and is, exposed to anegative pressure, i.e., a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. Itis understood that the “negative pressure plenum” is, in an exemplaryembodiment, defined by a number of additional constructs such as, butnot limited to, a conveyor belt or similar construct and/or a can body30. Thus, once the convex base holder 50 is coupled, directly coupled,or fixed to the can body 30, the negative pressure plenum 90 defined bythe cradle body 62 (as well as the can body 30 and a conveyor (notshown)), is structured to have air drawn therefrom thereby temporarilycoupling the container assembly 10

FIGS. 23 and 24 show cross-sectional views and dimensions of oneembodiment of a disposable container 20 and a disposable cradle 60,respectively. The disposable container 20 and the disposable cradle 60shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 are complimentary, i.e., these embodiments arestructured to be coupled to each other as a disposable containerassembly 10. The dimensions in FIGS. 23 and 24 are provided in inches.Further, it is understood that the measurements are approximate. Thatis, the measurements on FIGS. 23 and 24 are read as if preceded by theterm “about,” as defined above. The “Full Radius” of the can body convexbase 32 in FIG. 23 is about 1.3 inches, i.e., about half the outsidediameter of the can body sidewall 34. As described above, in anexemplary embodiment, the can body 22 is made from an inexpensivematerial such as, but not limited to, aluminum. The can body 22 shown inFIG. 23 is structured to, and does, hold about twelve ounces of liquid.In an exemplary embodiment, the disposable cradle 60 is made from arecycling fuel such as, but not limited to polyurethane orpolypropylene.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a container 110, i.e.,a can body 130, includes a convex base 132 and a generally cylindricalsidewall 134. The can body convex base 132 in this embodiment, however,is truncated and is identified hereinafter, and as used herein, a“truncated convex base” 132. As used herein, a “truncated convex base”means a base on a can body or container wherein the annular, upperportion of the base (which is unitary with the can body sidewall 134) isconvex and the center, lower portion of the base is generally planar. Ina “truncated convex base,” the radius of the convex portion, i.e., theannular, upper portion of the base, when viewed laterally incross-section, is less than the 3.00 inches; thus, this embodiment isalso a “convex base” (as defined above). That is, the radius of thecurvature of the convex portion is less than the 3.00 inches. It isunderstood that the radius of the upper end of the “truncated convexbase,” i.e., where the “truncated convex base” is unitary with the canbody, and when viewed axially in cross-section, is the same as theradius of the can body.

In another embodiment, not shown, the convex base includes a “truncatedconvex base with a dome.” As used herein, a “truncated convex base witha dome” means a base on a can body or container wherein the annular,upper portion is convex and the center, lower portion of the base isdomed inwardly into the can body. As used herein, a truncated convexbase is “generally convex.”

In an exemplary embodiment, the can body 130 is formed from a blankwherein the blank is initially made from an aluminum sheet materialhaving a thickness of between about 0.0030 inch and about 0.0085 inch,or about 0.0070 inch. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness isabout 0.0062 inch. During the forming of the can body 130, the can bodysidewall is thinned, e.g., drawn and/or ironed, so as to have athickness of between about 0.0028 inch and about 0.0048 inch, or about0.0038 inch. The can body truncated convex base 132 is thinned to have athickness of between about 0.0030 inch and about 0.0078 inch, or about0.0062 inch. As such, the can body truncated convex base 132 in thisembodiment is also a “generally thin base” as defined above.

Further, and as with the embodiment above, the can body 130 has a radiusbetween about 0.80 inch and about 1.50 inches, and, the can body convexbase 32 (or can body hemispherical base 33) has a radius of betweenabout 0.80 inch and about 1.50 inches, or about 1.00 inch. Also as inthe embodiment above, and for a standard twelve ounce beveragecontainer, the can body 130 has a maximum diameter of about 2.60 inches,i.e., the can body sidewall 34 has a radius of about 1.3 inches.Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the can body 130 has a height ofbetween about 3.5 inches and 5.5 inches, or about 4.677 inches.

In this embodiment, the convex base 132 includes an annular, upperportion 140 (which is unitary with the can body sidewall 34) and acenter, lower portion 142. The can body convex base upper portion 140defines a curved sidewall 144 (as viewed in cross-section as in FIG. 30)with a curvature radius of between about 0.450 inch and 0.550 inch, orabout 0.500 inch. The can body convex base lower portion 142 isgenerally planar and has a radius of between about 1.400 inch and 1.800,or about 1.600 inch. For a standard twelve ounce beverage container, thecan body convex base lower portion 142 has a radius of about 1.600 inch.

It is noted that the generally planar can body convex base lower portion142 is not structured to deform outwardly when the contents of thecontainer 20 is pressurized and/or exposed to heat. Thus, in oneexemplary embodiment, the can body convex base lower portion 142 is nota pressure relief panel 38 as discussed above. In another exemplaryembodiment, the generally planar can body convex base lower portion 142is structured to deform outwardly when the contents of the container 20is pressurized and/or exposed to heat. Thus, in this exemplaryembodiment, the can body convex base lower portion 142 is a pressurerelief panel 38 as discussed above.

The can body 130 with a truncated convex base 132 is, in one embodiment,structured to rest on the convex base 132, i.e., on the can body convexbase lower portion 142 which is generally planar. Thus, the can body 130does not require a cradle. Nonetheless, a can body 130 in theconfiguration above is able to tip and, as such, a disposable cradle 160is structured to, and does, provide a stable support for the container110 and, in particular, for the can body truncated convex base 132. Asshown in FIG. 31, the cradle 160 includes a body 162 with an uppersupport surface 161, a lower support surface 166 and a sidewall 168therebetween. As before, the cradle body lower support surface 166 isgenerally planar and is structured to rest on a generally planar surfacesuch as, but not limited to, a generally planar table top (not shown).In this embodiment, and unlike the embodiment described above,substantially all of the cradle body sidewall 168 defines a cradle bodyconvex interface surface 164. The cradle body convex interface surface164, and therefore the cradle body sidewall 168, is sized and shaped to,i.e., is structured to (and does), substantially correspond to the canbody convex base upper portion 140. That is, the cradle body convexinterface surface 164, and therefore the cradle body sidewall 168, has acurvature radius of between about 0.450 inch and 0.550 inch, or about0.500 inch. As before, the cradle body 162 is a convex base holder.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle body 162 further includes both anaxially extending upper collar 167 and an axially extending lower collar169. The cradle body upper collar 167 is generally toroidal and is sizedand shaped to, i.e., is structured to (and does), substantiallycorrespond to the can body 130. Thus, the cradle body upper collar 167,in an exemplary embodiment, has an inner radius between about 0.80 inchand about 1.50 inches. For a standard twelve ounce beverage container,the cradle body upper collar 167 has a maximum diameter of about 2.60inches, i.e., the cradle body upper collar 167 has a radius of about 1.3inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle body upper collar 167 hasan axial height of between about 0.15 inch and about 0.25 inch, or about0.20 inch.

The cradle body lower collar 169 is disposed below the cradle bodyconvex interface surface 164. The cradle body lower collar 169 isgenerally toroid. The cradle body lower collar 169 defines the cradlebody lower support surface 166. For a standard twelve ounce beveragecontainer, the cradle body lower collar 169 has an outer diameter ofabout 2.030 inches and an inner diameter of about 1.850 inches. In anexemplary embodiment, the cradle body sidewall 168 is unitary with boththe cradle body upper collar 167 and the cradle body collar 169. Thus,the cradle body 162 is a unitary body. It is further noted that, in thisembodiment, the collar body 162 is a “negative pressure plenum” asdefined above.

In this embodiment, the cradle body 162 has a height of between about0.640 inch and about 1.04, or about 0.840 inch. Further, and asdescribed above, the cradle body 162 is made from a disposable materialsuch as, but not limited to a plastic or cellulose (wood/paper based)material. In another exemplary embodiment, the cradle body 162 is madefrom a recycling fuel such as, but not limited to polyurethane orpolypropylene. Further, the cradle body 162 is structured to be storedin a nested configuration, as shown in FIG. 32. It is noted that becausethe cradle body sidewall 168 is shaped to correspond to the can bodyconvex base upper portion 140, the cradle body sidewall 168 is nottapered.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A single headed can body comprising: a generallyconvex base; a generally cylindrical sidewall; and wherein said convexbase and said sidewall are unitary.
 2. The can body of claim 1 whereinsaid convex base is a truncated convex base.
 3. The can body of claim 2wherein said base and said sidewall are limited formed bodies.
 4. Thecan body of claim 2 wherein: said base is a generally thin base.
 5. Thecan body of claim 2 wherein: said sidewall is generally cylindrical witha radius of about 1.3 inches; and said convex base is generallyhemispherical with a radius of about 1.3 inches.
 6. A containercomprising: a single headed can body including a generally convex baseand a generally cylindrical sidewall; wherein said convex base is atruncated convex base; wherein said truncated convex base and saidsidewall are unitary; said can body defining an open end; and a closurecoupled to said can body open end.
 7. A disposable cradle for adisposable container with a convex bottom, said cradle comprising: acradle body made from a disposable material; and wherein said cradlebody is a convex base holder.
 8. The cradle of claim 7 wherein saidcradle body includes a convex interface surface, a lower support surfaceand a sidewall therebetween.
 9. The cradle of claim 8 wherein saidcradle body includes an upper collar and a lower collar.
 10. The cradleof claim 8 wherein said cradle body is a recycling fuel.
 11. The cradleof claim 8 wherein said can body has a sidewall with a radius of about1.3 inches and said can body convex base is a truncated convex base,and, wherein: said cradle body is generally toroid with a maximum radiusof about 1.3 inches; and said cradle body has a height of about 0.84inches.
 12. A disposable container assembly comprising: a single headedcan body including a generally convex base and a generally cylindricalsidewall; wherein said convex base and said sidewall are unitary;wherein said convex base is a truncated convex base; said can bodydefining an open end; a closure coupled to said can body open end; and adisposable cradle coupled to said can body truncated convex base. 13.The disposable container assembly of claim 12 wherein said can body is alimited formed construct.
 14. The disposable container assembly of claim12 wherein said can body base is generally thin.
 15. The disposablecontainer assembly of claim 12 wherein: a cradle body is made from adisposable material; and wherein said cradle body is a convex baseholder.
 16. The disposable container assembly of claim 14 wherein saidcradle body includes a convex interface surface, a lower support surfaceand a sidewall therebetween.
 17. The disposable container assembly ofclaim 16 wherein said cradle body includes an upper collar and a lowercollar.
 18. The disposable container assembly of claim 16 wherein saidcradle body is a solid fuel.
 19. The disposable container assembly ofclaim 16 wherein said cradle body defines a negative pressure plenum.20. The disposable container assembly of claim 12 wherein: said sidewallis generally cylindrical with a radius of about 1.3 inches; said cradlebody is generally toroid with a maximum radius of about 1.3 inches; andsaid cradle body has a height of about 0.84 inches.